Universal exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

The exercise apparatus includes a table having a longitudinal dimension; a set of upper and lower rails, disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the table; a set of pivoting and rotating posts, within a set of pivoting, rotating, vertically adjustable posts, on opposite sides of the table, attached at pivot points, on said lower rails, and adjustably connected to the upper rails for longitudinal movement along the rails, vertical movement extending various heights above the rails or distances from the lower pivot points and horizontal rotational movement in relation to the rails; and mechanisms for securing the posts in a fixed position on the rails. Market available, adjustable, dual action, hydraulic cylinder resistance devices are connected to each of the adjustable outer posts and adjustable pivot arms for providing a predetermined constant resistance to motion about their axis in a given direction. The apparatus has a pair of parallel arms, that are adjustable in length respectfully, coupled to the outer posts and the market available, dual action, adjustable hydraulic resistance devices; and a crossbar, separate handles or dual padded rollers, coupled to the arms at a distance from the common axis of the arms pivot point, and the market available, adjustable, dual action, hydraulic cylinder resistance devices, for enabling a person to exercise their muscles by contacting the crossbar, separate handles, back pad or dual padded rollers and forcing the crossbar, separate handles, back pad or dual padded rollers; to move against the predetermined constant resistance, simultaneously or in sequence, provided by the market available, adjustable; dual action hydraulic resistance devices. Adjustable valves are integrated into the hydraulic resistance devices for adjusting the predetermined constant resistance to movement in each given direction of motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to an exercise apparatus. Particularly, the present invention relates to an improved exercising machine having components for the performance of multiple safe ergonomic physical exercises.

2. Description of the Related Art

The variety of weight-training devices available today is a tribute to the increasingly recognized importance and popularity of physical fitness. In response to the growing demand for exercise machines, capable of performing a variety of functions, many types of multiple function exercise devices have been developed which have components for the performance of a variety of physical exercises.

Many exercising devices of the foregoing type are large cumbersome machines having individual stations for the performance of different exercises. The overall size and the number of components used in these types of machines makes them costly, largely inappropriate for use in many areas, and additionally, makes their transportation, once assembled, difficult. Many efforts have been made to reduce the size of multi-function exercise devices, often resulting in exercise machines that sacrifice the machine's ability to afford a complete, precise workout.

Further, prior art machines are typically encumbered with one or more of a variety of complicated arrangements for coupling a lifting mechanism to a stack of weights or other resistance means. Traditionally, as the number of possibilities for performing exercises on an exercise machine increased, the number of components necessary to complete the machine also increased; including pulleys and cables that are inherently dangerous and don't isolate individual muscle groups; thereby resulting in a costlier, heavier, less effective, more spacious and complex exercising device.

Additionally, properly performing a physical exercise, isolating targeted muscle groups and avoiding activation of parasitic muscle groups, depends in large part upon the proper positioning of the individual during the performance of the exercise, and upon appropriate motion of the individual's body and appendages required to be used for the particular exercise being performed. Moreover, it has become well recognized that an overall physical conditioning program includes, in addition to adequate rest and proper nutrition, a variety of factors such as flexibility, cardiovascular training, and strength training. The latest highly effective means of strength training is to utilize very heavy weights/resistance and work against them, in ten second, maximum effort repetitions, to the point of muscle fatigue. The utilization of adjustable hydraulic devices allows this approach to be followed without a spotter, in a safe and extremely effective fashion. In this regard, prior art exercise machines do not provide the ability, for a user, to effectively utilize the same components of the machine in one mode of operation for achieving aerobic exercising benefits, in a second mode of operation for achieving anaerobic benefits and high intensity “burn out” exercises. The present invention meets these previously unfilled needs.

Accordingly, the need exists for a multi-function exercise apparatus that facilitates proper performance of a variety of physical exercises and for permitting the user to achieve the advantages of weight training, power training, aerobic training, and flexibility, in an apparatus having relatively few components, is compact, simple, lightweight, easily adjustable, space saving and easily storable. Additionally, the need exists for an exercise machine that is easily converted from one mode of operation to a second mode of operation. Further still, the need exists for an exercise machine which permits the performance of a variety of physical exercises without the presence of numerous moving parts, complex links, inherently dangerous cables, sliding sleds, pulleys, and other components as commonly found in the prior art. The present invention fills these and other needs by providing a multiple function exercise machine that permits the proper performance of a variety of physical exercises. This is done by utilizing predetermined constant resistance; to movement in a given direction; that is provided by a dual action, adjustable hydraulic cylinders, which are attached to the adjustable (longitudinally, rotationally and vertically) outer posts and arms; that is disposed for movement against the resistance provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders. The predetermined constant resistance provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders can be adjusted to simulate a relatively lightweight, thereby enabling the performance of aerobic, muscle and speed development exercises. The hydraulic cylinders can also be adjusted to simulate heavy weight. to enable the performance of muscle strength and endurance exercises. This is all achieved with a minimal number of components.

The present invention generally pertains to a compact and cost effective universal exercise-apparatus and is particularly directed to improvements thereto for providing an exercise apparatus that can be adjusted for use safely and ergonomically performing a large variety of body exercises.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a compact, lightweight, multifunction universal exercise apparatus that can be used to perform a large variety of physical exercises.

The exercise apparatus, of the present invention, includes a table having a longitudinal dimension; a set of rails disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the table; a set of posts, secured at lower pivot points, on opposite sides of the table, adjustably supported on the rails for longitudinal movement and locking along the rails (5 (D), 45 (E), 90 (F) and 120 (G) degrees) and for vertical movement extending various heights above the rails allowing alignment of pivot arm points with targeted joint pivot points; and rotation through 180 degrees (locking at 0 (A), 90 (B) and 180 (C) degrees) of the horizontal plane allowing directional changes in the pivot arms in order to achieve a large variety of exercises and positions; mechanisms for securing the posts in a fixed position on the rails; adjustable hydraulic cylinder devices connected to each of the posts and pivot arms for providing a predetermined constant resistance to motion about its axis in a given direction; a pair of parallel arms respectfully coupled to the bearing and market available adjustable hydraulic devices; and a crossbar, individual handles, back pad or padded rollers, coupled to the arms, at a distance from the common axis of the bearing, for enabling a person to exercise his muscles by contacting the crossbar, individual handles, back pad or padded rollers and forcing the crossbar, individual handles, back pad or padded rollers to move against the predetermined constant resistance provided by the market available adjustable hydraulic resistance devices. A pair of wheels, mounted on the lower horizontal leg supports, allowing the exercise apparatus to be lifted from the opposite end thereby engaging the wheels with the floor, allowing for easy moving and relocating of the exercise apparatus.

Additional features of the present invention are discussed in the description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the four possible positions of the posts along the longitudinal rails, the rowing attachment and the possible positions of the table surface.

FIG. 3 is an end view that schematically illustrates the rotational variability of the posts and pivot arms.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates the internal mechanism that allows the vertical posts to rotate from 0 (A) to 90 (B) to 180 (C) degrees, 0 (A) and 180 (C) degrees being parallel to the longitudinal upper and lower rails and 90 (B) degrees being perpendicular to said rails.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the variably pivoting, rotating, extending and retracting positions of the square tubes demonstrating a small portion of the possible positions, configurations and exercises

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the preferred embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a table 1, a set of rails 2, 3, a set of rotational, pivoting posts 10, 11, that are housed within a set of extending outer posts 80, 89, that lock utilizing spring loaded ins that align with corresponding holes in pivoting posts 10, 11, adjustable, dual action 1-hydraulic resistance cylinders 14, 15, pivot bearings (included in a bearing housing 62, 63). a pair of parallel arms 16, 17 a cross bar 28, individual handles 26, 27, back pad 77 and parallel rollers 24, 25.

The table 1 has a longitudinal dimension extending from one end 4 to the opposite end 5. The rails 2, 3 are disposed longitudinally on opposite sides of the table 1 and are attached to the lower rails 8, 9 of the table 1. The posts 88, 89 are disposed on opposite sides of the table 1 and are adjustably supported on the rails 2, 3 for longitudinal; locking at positions 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 90, 92; and rotational movement; A, B, C; along and in relation to the rails 2, 3 and for vertical movement 70, 71 extending above the rails 2, 3 and table surface 1.

A set of arm extension mechanisms 18, 19 that adjustably slide in and connect to arms 16, 17 via spring lock pins 20, 21 thereby adjusting pivot arm length and accepting attachments 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 77, and fixed by pins 22, 23 to accomplish various exercises.

The adjustable, dual action, hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 are connected to the posts 88, 89 and arms 16, 17 for providing a predetermined constant resistance between posts 88, 89 and arms 16, 17. The bearing housings 62, 63 are connected to the posts 88, 89 at the pivot point of arms 16, 17.

The pair of parallel arms 16, 17 are coupled to the posts upper pivot points 62, 63 and the adjustable, dual action, hydraulic cylinders 14, 15 are respectfully connected to the arms 16, 17. Fund posts 88. 89. The crossbar 28, single handles 26, 27 or parallel rollers 24, 25 are coupled to the distal ends of arms 18, 19 at a distance from the common axis of the bearing 62, 63 for enabling a person to exercise their muscles by contacting the crossbar 28, single handles 26, 27, back pad 77 or parallel rollers 24, 25 and forcing the crossbar 28, single handles 26, 27, back pad 77 or parallel rollers 24, 25 to move against the constant resistance provided by the adjustable, dual action, hydraulic cylinders 14, 15.

The pair of parallel arms 16, 17 are adjustable, in length, to enable the performance of exercises such as squats, lines, bench and shoulder press, lat and back exercises that require the arms 16, 17 to be of a greater length than for most other exercises. The arms 16, 17 can accept arms 18, 19 that are secured in place by inserting pins 22, 23 through openings; in arms 18, 19; which are matched to an opposing set of uniformly spaced openings extending through the arms 18, 19.

The parallel posts 10, 11 are secured to the lower longitudinal rails via ⅜ bolts 72, 73 and halve parallel rotational plates 64, 65, secured via ⅜ bolt and lock nuts 80, 81 which allows the posts to pivot longitudinally to 5, 45, 90 and 120 degrees; relative to longitudinal rails 2, 3 and rotate 180 degrees, positions A, B, C; in the horizontal plane; relative to longitudinal rails 2, 3. It is necessary that posts 10, 11, 88, 89 rotate and pivot to various positions, along and relative to, longitudinal rails 2, 3; to facilitate repositioning arms 16, 17 so that a full range of exercises, in various configurations may be performed.

The headrest 74 will slip fit to end 4 of the table 1 and can be removed when not in use as an extension of the tabletop 1. When positioned as an extension, of the table top 1, the head rest 74 enables a person to perform a bench press and latisimus pull down exercise, wherein he assumes a supine position; secured by a Velcro belt; on the table top 1, with his head on the head rest 74 and his shoulders and arms free to extend below the level of the table top 1 so as to be able to push the cross bar 22, vertically up, from a position over the tabletop 1.

Because the posts 88, 89 which support the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14, 15; pivot arms 16, 17, extension arms 18, 19 and the cross bar 28, may be both longitudinally and vertically positioned in relation to the table top 1, it is possible to perform a large variety of muscle conditioning exercises with the exercise apparatus of the present invention in addition to the bench press exercise described above.

A quadriceps extension and hamstring flexion exercise may be performed by pivoting and locking vertical posts 10, 11, 88, 89 at position 44, 45; removing crossbars 28 and installing the double rollers 24, 25 to pivot arms 18, 19. The person then sits on the end 4, of the table 1, and places their ankles in the double rollers 24, 25; that are attached to pivot arms 16, 17; and then extending and flexing the lower legs thereby raising and lowering; the double rollers against the predetermined force provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14, 15.

An overhead press and latisimus pull down exercise maybe performed by standing on the floor pads, 29, 30; inserted in leg 6; adjacent to end 4 of the table 1, while facing the table. I he person grasps the crossbar 28 with an overhand grip, rests the crossbar 28 on the upper chest, and pressing it vertically, above and away from the chest, and drawing it back; iii a reverse fashion; to the chest, against the predetermined constant force provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14,15.

A squat and hip flexor exercise may be performed by placing one's feet on floor pads 29, 30 while facing away from the end 4 of the table 1. The crossbar 28, connected to pivot arms 18, 19, is moved to a position extending outward from the end 4 of the table 1. With his back straight and grasping crossbar 28, the person contacts the cross bar 28, with his shoulders, and against the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14, 15; he pulls down to a squat position, utilizing the hip flexor, then forces the crossbar 28 upward and against the predetermined constant resistance provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14, 15.

An abdominal flexor and back extensor exercise may be performed by rotating vertical posts 11), 11, 88, 89, 180 degrees; in the horizontal plane; positioning; by pivoting and locking vertical posts 88, 89; at position 48, 49; and attaching back pad 77 to crossbar 28. A person then straddles table 1, at end 5 and facing end 4, places their back against back pad 77, end loops their arms around crossbar 28 from above and under, or attaching a Velcro belt around the chest, and flexing forward and extending back against the predetermined constant resistance provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 14, 15.

A biceps flexion and triceps extension exercise may be performed by standing on the floor pads 2S, 30; adjacent the end 4 of the table 1, while facing the table. The crossbar 28 is moved to a position out and away from the end 4 of the table 1 and at about the level of the tabletop 1. The person grasps the crossbar 28 from beneath, with an underhand grip, and lifts the bar upward against the predetermined constant resistance provided by the adjustable hydraulic cylinders 16, 17, and then pulling the crossbar 28 downward, to its original starting point, utilizing the triceps and forearm extensor.

A rowing g exercise may be performed by repositioning the movable posts 10, 11, 88, 89 to the five degree (D) position, rotating the pivot arms to the 180 degree (C) position, and extending the movable posts 88, 89 to a length appropriate for utilizing the rowing mechanism 100 and then inserting separate handles 26, 27, into extending arms 18, 19.

The foregoing exercises are but a few of the large variety of exercises that can be performed with the universal exercise apparatus of the present invention.

Thus, there is disclosed in the above description and in the drawings, an embodiment of the invention, which fully and effectively accomplishes the objects claimed and intended. However, it will become apparent to those skill in the art, how to make variations and modifications to the current invention. Therefore, this invention is to be limited, not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appending claims.

The invention will be seen to be extremely simple, but results in a large number of possible function usages, as listed below:

Exercises:

Single overhead press and lat pull, left and right.

Double overhead press (pronated and supinated grips) and lat pull.

Upright row.

Standing triceps push-down and biceps contraction.

Single overhead press and lat pull behind neck.

Double overhead press and lat pull behind neck.

Side bends.

Abdominal curl and back extension.

Standing double calf raise and tibialis flexion.

Standing single calf raise and tibialis flexion.

Seated double calf raise and tibialis flexion.

Seated, single calf raise and tibialis flexion.

Shoulder shrugs and lat contractions.

Seated biceps curl and triceps extension.

Seated single arm isolation biceps curl and triceps extension.

Seated reverse grip biceps curl and triceps extension.

Standing reverse grip biceps curl and triceps extension.

Hip flex ion and extension.

Double bench press and back row.

Single or alternating left/right bench press and back row.

Leg extension and leg curl.

Double leg extension and leg curl simultaneously or in sequence.

Squats end hip flexor contractions.

Kline and jerk.

Deltoid and lit butterfly extensions and contractions.

Pectoral is/deltoid/rhomboid chest fly and reverse fly.

Leg abduction/abduction

Seated row

Declined press and lit pull.

Inclined hip flexor and extension contraction (running simulation).

Lateral raise (deltoids/traps) and lit/terries pull down.

Leg press.

Arm wrestling.

Multi-muscle sequences where one would begin by grasping the separate handles in a squat, then extending into a standing position, then performing a shoulder shrug into a kline and then finishing the upward movement with a military press. The order would then be reversed with a pull down, then rolling the hands and performing a reverse downward press and finishing by pulling down, using the hip flexor and quadriceps, into the original squat position.

The above list does not comprise the complete number of exercises or variations possible with this highly adaptable and efficient machine. It does cover the most traditional exercises required for conditioning and strengthening the major muscle groups.

The pre sent invention is a complete unit and includes all necessary attachments to accomplish any of the listed exercises and many more unlisted. This invention is capable of replacing a number of machines of much higher cost, complexity, bulk and less efficiency, which exists in the prior art. 

1-8. (canceled)
 9. An exercise apparatus comprising: a table have a longitudinal dimension; a set of upper and lower rails, disposed longitudinally, on opposite sides of the table; a set of pivoting, rotating, variable position, inner square posts with variable position, pivoting, rotating, extending and retracting, outer square posts on opposite sides of the table, connected to the lower rails at pivot pins and connected to the upper rails, at various locking stations, for longitudinal movement along the rails, extending and retracting movement in relation to the lower rail pivot points and rotational movement horizontal to the longitudinal rails; two market available, dual action, adjustable hydraulic resistance devices, where elastomeric are secured to each of the posts, connected to adjustable, parallel pivot arms; a pair of parallel arms respectfully coupled to the posts; and a crossbar, separate handles, back pad or dual padded rollers coupled between or to the arms, all a distance from the common pivot axis, of the bearing. 